Photograph Credit: Flickr (Angie Torres)
As we are almost 6 months into 2013, I need to record a goal update to keep me accountable for the goals I have set. Last year, I wrote a monthly goal update post as I was following Crystal Paine’s book. Without that need for monthly accountability, I forget to schedule a post each month.
Though I may not write a formal post, I do update the status on Using Time Wisely’s Facebook page with my physical goals. In focusing on a healthy journey, I use the power of social media to keep me accountable.
Just knowing that I will post how I did for the day is enough to keep me on track. I would love to have you post along with me your successes and failures to getting or staying healthy.
For 2013, I made these written goals, and though this is the first update, my progress is as follows:
Tracy’s Physical Goals
1. Drink 64 oz. of water per day. Excellent! With only one day where I drank 32 oz. of water due to a stomach virus, I have consistently drunk at least 64 oz. of water each day of 2013. I still love an occasional diet coke and glass of sweet tea.
As a reward, I keep a glass of sweet tea in the refrigerator. When I need a sip of something other than water, I go to my tea. This reward is enough to satisfy my want without ruining the day.
2. Exercise for 20 minutes at least 5 times a week. Another successful report as I work to stay active. I have had 2 bad weeks. The first was when I injured my knee, needed x-rays, and under my doctor’s order to rest.
The second week was last week – namely, the last week of school. I was on the go from morning ’til night with breakfast gatherings, lunch appointments, dinner engagements, and a packed schedule. Though I did not formally exercise, I was on the move, and am finding a new routine for the summer.
Tracy’s Family Goals
1. Plan at least one family outing/activity each week. Our family activities are quite fun. From dinners together, family walks, attending events at the science center, or celebrating holidays, we have enjoyed at least one family outing each week.
My hardest obstacle is working with my children to be thankful for what we do. For example, when we take a walk, they then want to ride their bikes or visit a friend. Being content with what they get is still a struggle which sometimes makes these events tiring.
2. Spend 10 minutes with each child each day. Somehow spending one-on-one time with them doing homework is not the goal I had in mind. With soccer season and a busy school schedule, I was fortunate to get that time with my son this spring.
Though I spend time with them, I am still trying to find something special I can share with each of them. I love how my mom shares a special coffee time with my kids. We allow no one else to use the term coffee time as that is their special connection.
I know I do things that they think only mom can do, but I am really seeking something special to share with each of my kids. In the meantime, I am enjoying painting nails, doing puzzles, listening, and snuggling with them all.
Tracy’s Financial Goals
1. Address bills, insurance, and important documents twice a month. Had one or two months where I just paid the bills and then had a mess to organize at the end of the month. However, this process is more smoothly this year as I make a point to address it all without leaving one or two items unfinished.
2. Purchase a Dell 10 to replace my laptop and failing desktop. This is still on my wish list. My laptop is doing much better as Paul upped my memory after a glitch that corrupted a file on the website and another incident where my documents file disappeared. Thankfully, Paul recovered my documents, but some of the files were corrupt. This was another lesson why I need a backup schedule.
Tracy’s Business Goals
1. Write posts one week in advance. No progress. As of the writing of this post, I am up-to-date for this year. I still have a few December 2012 posts that I would like to finish, but one step at a time.
2. Cleanup all computer files, consolidate all items onto one computer, and set a backup schedule. Still working on this long-term project and concentrating on my desktop files first.
In keeping on track for some of these goals and challenging myself on others, I am pressing on to using time wisely. Seeing the value of making goals, I enjoy the forward progress. Even the failures teach me that I cannot do it alone or perfectly. However, I can take a step backward and still move further along faster than if I had not made the goal initially.
As you aim high in your endeavors, keep making progress. When you miss the goal, take a step back, regroup, and then start again. Moving forward is progress – no matter how small the steps are. Happy goal reaching!
Question: What progress have you made on your 2013 goals?